Le restaurant Au Pied de Cochon est le lieu où tout a commencé. Opéré d’une génération à l’autre, la passation de connaissances familiales contribue à la renommée du restaurant. En constante évolution, le Pied de Cochon fête ses 20 ans en novembre 2021. Ce restaurant à la carte est situé au cœur du Plateau Mont-Royal. Authentiques et fidèles à ses racines québécoises et canadiennes, les plats sont copieux et réconfortants. Tirant également son inspiration des brasseries françaises, le chef et son équipe s'inspirent des produits locaux, et saisonniers pour créer un menu intemporel . Avec des vins d’importation privés, des bières brassées à Montréal, et des cocktails signature, le restaurant Au Pied de Cochon est un endroit convivial où les produits du terroir sont mis en valeur. On y retrouve une des premières cuisines ouvertes à Montréal dans laquelle on peut y voir les cuisiniers en pleine action.
Les critiques convergent sur Au Pied de Cochon comme une institution montréalaine où la cuisine est riche, généreuse et résolument axée sur le foie gras et le canard en conserve. La poutine au foie gras et le canard en conserve reviennent comme des incontournables, accompagnés de plats plus audacieux comme le foie gras nigiri et les temaki de canard; les portions sont copieuses et les saveurs intenses, parfois indulgentes, parfois excessives, plaisent aux amateurs de comfort food tout en suscitant quelques réserves sur l'équilibre des saveurs et le niveau de raffinement. L'expérience est souvent décrite comme immersive et conviviale: cuisine ouverte, ambiance chaleureuse et service attentif, avec des serveurs enthousiastes qui expliquent les plats et créent une ambiance de spectacle, surtout au bar. Néanmoins, certains avis signalent un cadre bruyant, une certaine hâte côté service, et des tarifs élevés; malgré cela, l'ensemble demeure perçu comme une expérience culinaire unique, mémorable et difficile à égaler pour les amoureux de la gastronomie québécoise riche et généreuse.
Montreal's food scene is top notch & this bustling little place is a must-stop. Chef Picard & his staff do not fail to delight. From the foie gras, to the pork chop & shank, to the dulce de leche'lava' cake, even the most discerning patron will be moved by this remarkable food. The exceptional service, & fun atmosphere of this restaurant will not disappoint! Fully recommended.
Au Pied de Cochon remains, without question, my favorite restaurant in Canada. Alongside its sister properties; Cabane d'à Côté & Cabane à Sucre in Mirabel- it is a group that simply does not miss.
This visit marked roughly my tenth time through its doors, though opportunities to bring my wife here are rare. Experiencing it together this time gave the meal a different resonance, allowing me to see the restaurant anew through her reactions as much as my own. Her first time here compared to this was much different, as she was prepared - & she loved it.
Service, as always, is impeccable - & worth mentioning briefly because it has never wavered. The staff are deeply knowledgeable, disarmingly honest, & charming in a way that feels entirely unforced. There's a self-aware joy in how they describe the excess you're about to consume. At one point, our server leaned in with a broad, knowing smile & a thick Québécois accent to say:'The Champvalon is cooked from all of the meat juices & drippings from basically everything throughout the day.' She didn't hesitate - dropped the plates on the counter & confidently walked away knowing we were in for a treat.
We began with the onion soup, a dish that could justify the visit on its own. Deeply savory, intensely warming, & loaded with well-charred, gooey, funky cheese, it also contains actual chunks of sausage - because of course it does. On a night where it was -17°C outside, this was comfort at its most primal. Alongside it came the foie gras poutine: house-cut fries, a decadent foie-laced gravy, huge chunks of soft foie gras & gloriously oversized cheese curds. It's indulgence dialed unapologetically to eleven.
The main course was the Champvalon - something I had somehow never encountered on previous visits (or even heard of as I'm also a chef). A slow-braised mélange of venison & pork, cooked for hours in cast iron, layered with thinly sliced potatoes & bound together by a glossy, sticky sauce that speaks to patience, restraint, & technical saucier skills. It was rich without being too heavy, rustic yet precise, & deeply, impressively delicious.
Dessert, as has often been the case here, was the showstopper. These aren't listed on the website & should never be skipped. The pouding chômeur is otherworldly - the best we've ever had. Incredibly rich, deeply sweet, unctuous, & unapologetic. Every adjective that points toward absolute food heaven applies here.
If there is a criticism - & it's one I've never had to offer before - it's that the menu feels smaller than in years past. While it's comforting to see the staples remain (duck in a can, foie tamaki, tartare cones), the reduced selection offers fewer surprises for repeat visitors. For someone returning for the tenth time, the sense of discovery is slightly diminished. I was fortunate there was one main I hadn't yet tried yet, & it was still available. I'd love to see a little cross-pollination from Cabane à Sucre when it closes for the season, if ideation over the years becomes too much, or bring back some of the hits over the years (I recall an incredible French toast with maple syrup, foie gras, cranberry, goats cheese, as well as a delicious tarragon pickled cows tongue).
Until then-see you at the Cabane on May 2nd. I've been lucky enough to snag a reservation.
28 déc. 2025
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This is a long-standing restaurant with a pleasant atmosphere. The space feels warm & classic, very much an old-school American style, & the service was attentive & kind throughout the evening.
Unfortunately, the food itself was very difficult for me to enjoy. Several dishes had strong gamey odors & pronounced alcohol notes, & the flavors did not come together harmoniously.
The foie gras sushi had a noticeable clash between the gamey taste of the foie gras & the alcohol used in preparation. Even with soy sauce, the flavors did not integrate at all. I managed to eat one piece but could not finish the second.
The pork knuckle had an overwhelming porky smell, & there were visible pig hairs on the skin. I understand that occasional hairs can happen, but the amount here was significant & affected the overall experience. The mushrooms served with it had absorbed both the pork odor & what tasted like high-proof cooking wine; the alcohol flavor felt harsh, as if it had not fully cooked off. Among all the components of this dish, the mashed potatoes were the only element I genuinely enjoyed.
The temaki, on the other hand, was decent & ended up being my favorite dish of the night.
I do want to highlight the service: when I explained that I truly could not eat the pork knuckle, the staff were very understanding & handled the situation professionally. They offered compensation, & the dish was ultimately discounted by 50%, which I appreciated.
Overall, while the ambience & service were strong, the execution & flavor balance of the food were disappointing, especially for a restaurant known for foie gras & rich, offal-forward dishes. I would have expected cleaner preparation & more refined flavor control.
This is one of the best dining experiences in Canada. Our experience that evening was perfect, from the food to the service. Every dish was so well crafted & they were all delicious.
Duck in a Can is not a gimmick, it's a flavour explosion packed in a can. Another mind blowing must-try is the Foie Gras Nigiri. The rich & smooth Foie Gras paired with Japanese rice drizzled with maple-infused soy is absolutely delicious.
Another incredibly creative dish was the Foie Gras Mapo Tofu that doesn't seem to be a staple on the menu, but we're glad we got to try it. The pork shank & pork chops were also cooked to perfection. Stop reading this review & start reserving a table!
We went to Au PDC on our final night to experience the modern twist on Quebecois cuisine. I had reserved a week in advance online for 2 guests for an early time. I was impressed & appreciated that the staff was trained to greet each guest with eye contact &'Bon soir.' We were served primarily by Frederic, a charming local who had lived in other parts of Canada & overseas & who willingly entertained our questions about Quebec & Canada. The restaurant had a warm, cozy, rustic vibe. We were rather hungry & ordered our starters, which came rather quickly--the foie gras nigiri & the foie gras poutine. Both were excellent & very much rich & decadent. I had not had any poutine until that night just to have the'authentic poutine.' It did not disappoint. Based on Frederic's recommendation, we did not want to overdo the entrees after the starters so we ordered one entree to share, the Pork Shank. It took much longer time than expected but we appreciated the tenderness of the pork & flavor. As other reviewers had mentioned, the staff could speak to the dishes with authority. Frederic convinced me with dessert--not very difficult with me--haha. I cannot remember the name but it was basically a donut with berries & cream--absolutely delightful with the chamomile tea. The total was $140 CAD & we gave a rather generous tip for Frederic who made our experience fun & interesting. Merci beaucoup for a memorable evening!
As an out-of-town visitor, I was excited to try Au Pied du Cochon after hearing so much about it, but my experience left me with mixed feelings.
>Reservation Process:
Their hands-off approach to reservations is frustrating. Booking a table for our party of nine was a nightmare. The restaurant operates asynchronously *only* with no published phone number to speak directly with staff, which is particularly challenging for out-of-towners seeking certainty. People seem to book far in advance & cancel last-minute to avoid penalties, making it tough to secure a large table. I emailed them but received only a partial response many days later, & my follow-up email to confirm everything went unanswered. Thankfully, our table was available upon arrival, but the process felt unnecessarily stressful.
>Service:
Once seated, the service was a highlight. Our server, a friendly & attentive, which made us feel welcome & was quick to address our needs.
>Not Kid-Friendly:
This restaurant is not accommodating for families with children. The menu lacks options suitable for a kid's palate, & the kitchen refuses to do anything; even when it came to our request to prepare something as simple as plain fries with salt. They eventually complied, but the hesitation highlighted an inflexible, almost arrogance.
>Food:
The food was a mixed bag. Many dishes were very good, but almost all were overwhelmingly rich & lacked balance. The foie gras terrine & duck temaki stood out as the most harmonious dishes. However, the signature'duck in a can' was more novelty than masterpiece. The duck breast was dry-likely due to the pressure-cooking method in a boiling can-& I couldn't help but think duck legs would have been a better choice in this application. The menu itself was confusing. For a restaurant supposedly celebrating the pig, pork was surprisingly scarce, with foie gras dominating instead, which felt excessive & overwhelming.
>Final Thoughts:
I realized my review may seem controversial going against the grain, but to be clear, I don't regret going. It's a place to try at least once. I will not return, however.
Our visit to Au Pied de Cochon was the highlight of our already amazing trip to Montréal. The staff was incredibly attentive & the overall vibe was so positive. I truly applaud the team for being able to create such a memorable experience.
The foie gras poutine was the best poutine I've ever had. I highly recommend it. The duck in a can was delicious, & the pork loin was also wonderful.
A special thanks to our server Emil for his excellent service & spot-on recommendations.
28 août 2025
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Exceptional service at Au Pied de Cochon! The staff were incredibly attentive - checking in often & keeping our water glasses full. It's the small details like that which really elevate the experience.
The thoughtful presentation of each dish (& even the drinks!) was a standout. They walked us through how everything was prepared, adding a special touch to the experience. Even without speaking much French, we felt completely welcomed. A unique & memorable dining experience!
As for food, I would highly recommend the fois gras nigiri, stuffed pork foot, duck in a can.
We ordered 8 drinks & they are all taste amazing!! We love it! Also the foie gras nigiri! That's a must try!! We ordered 12 pieces & finished em all! Duck in can is very special, you will never taste it outside Montreal. Pork feet is my favorite!!very juicy very gravy!
I went in with mixed expectations, as I know that the border between indulgent QC fare & tourist trap can be muddled. I am so happy with what we got. An attentive but not overbearing service & dishes mostly on the memorable side. Highlights: foie gras terrine to moan for, great duck tartare, & all the mains: great halibut, otrageous & delicious stuffed pig hoof (a beast of a dish) & delicious pork sirloin. Great use of seasonal mushrooms. Desserts were moreish even after the generous portions of the pork mains.
Less impressive: the foie gras nigiri was taken over by the ponzu sauce, & the razor clams were not uniform in cooking but eh, still nice.
Recommended for whoever is looking for Quebecoise indulgence as advertised by that Bourdain documentary. I am sure there are other venues that provide it, but this one is accessible & its reputation is justified. Stick to seafood if fat turns you off.
We spent some days in Montreal & tried some great restaurants, including this one. The food is very good, some aspects might be improved (my pork was a bit too dry) but in general very satisfying.
We just felt the service is not on point with the price & kind of offer of this place. We had to order bread 3 times & feels like the waiters are not so experienced. Would be perfect for a pub / easy going restaurant, but probably not enough professional for this kind of restaurant.
In general a good experience tho!
30 avr. 2025
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(french version bellow)
I had dinner at Pied de Cochon with my wife. I chose this restaurant because I'd heard about it often &, according to reviews, it seemed to be one of Montreal's most reputable spots. The atmosphere is pleasant, & the service is very attentive-perhaps even a bit too intense. You take a sip of wine, & a server rushes over to refill your glass. On that front, I have no complaints.
From a gastronomic standpoint, it was very good. So why am I taking off two stars? Well, I might have been a little disillusioned. I expected to eat like a king-or a pig, given the name!-but honestly, if I hadn't ordered an appetizer, I'd have left the place still hungry. For my main course, I had the aged pork ribs: they were delicious, but the few slices served with a small piece of cabbage & some charred bits of bread left me wanting more. It felt like something was missing. At that price, they could've offered more sides, a big basket of bread, or a more generous portion of meat. It seemed like I was eating an appetizer disguised as a main course.
My wife ordered the tripe. It was good, but it came without any sides-just a drizzle of oil & a big chunk of Parmesan. The bottle of wine fortunately helped us enjoy the vibe, but we left the restaurant having liked the experience while feeling a bit let down by not being full.
(french)
J'ai soupé au Pied de Cochon avec ma femme. J'ai choisi ce restaurant parce qu'on m'en avait souvent parlé & que, d'après les critiques, il semblait être l'un des établissements les plus réputés de Montréal. L'ambiance est agréable & le service est très attentionné - peut-être même un peu trop intense. À peine prends-tu une gorgée de vin qu'un serveur accourt pour remplir ton verre. Sur ce point, je n'ai rien à redire.
Côté gastronomie, c'était très bon. Alors pourquoi est-ce que j'enlève deux étoiles ? Eh bien, j'ai peut-être été un peu désillusionné. Je m'attendais à manger comme un roi - ou plutôt comme un cochon, vu le nom ! - mais honnêtement, si je n'avais pas commandé une entrée, je serais sorti de là avec encore faim. Pour mon plat principal, j'ai pris des côtes de porc vieillies : elles étaient délicieuses, mais les quelques tranches servies avec un petit morceau de chou & quelques bouts de pain calciné m'ont laissé sur ma faim. Il me semble qu'il manquait quelque chose. À ce prix-là, on aurait pu proposer plus d'accompagnements, une grande assiette de pain ou une portion de viande plus généreuse. J'ai eu l'impression de manger une entrée déguisée en plat principal.
Ma femme, elle, a commandé des tripes. Elles étaient bonnes, mais servies sans accompagnement, juste agrémentées d'un peu d'huile & d'un gros bloc de parmesan. La bouteille de vin a heureusement contribué à rendre l'ambiance plaisante, mais nous sommes repartis en ayant apprécié l'expérience tout en étant un peu déçus de ne pas être rassasiés.
We came in for a date night dinner & initially ordered the Onion soup, Plogue à Champlain, & their Duck in a Can. However after we got our soup appetizer we saw something that caught our eye, a whole roast pork head! We asked the service staff about it & it turns out it was an off-menu special they had missed mentioning to us. They were flexible with us & let us cancel the rest of our order & order the special instead
The result was entirely too much food for 2 people but it was a wonderful experience carving into our meal & eating something so incredibly rich & succulent. The pigs head was prepared much like a Peking Duck & so the skin was incredibly crisp & crackly & the inside meat was rich & juicy. It came with a platter of chun bing(the wraps typically served with pecking duck), a variety of sauces, & julienned radish, cucumbers, & garlic chives.
Needless to say it was incredibly delicious & the staff was very enthusiastic about our enjoyment. Will absolutely be coming back with more friends as we'll need to bring extra mouths to help finish all this next time!
Food was excellent. Our favorite being the class foie gras dish from the foie gras part of the menu. The scallop & pork chop dishes from the main courses were also delicious. They accommodated our kids by putting sauces on the side. Cocktails & wine were also delicious. We had a wonderful experience.
Thanking the bartender that noticed my wife is pregnant & made her a mocktail without asking. In addition didn't charge for it. Thank you!
The aged pork chop & maple fries were great! I ate the duck in the can, but have mixed feelings about it. Bread pudding was good but a little too sweet for my liking.
30 janv. 2025
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We were greeted by very friendly staff. The server was very knowledgeable about the menu & wine list. He poured our wine for us but never returned to top up our glasses, leaving us to do this ourselves. The support staff were great about topping up our waters. We received our first dishes an hour after we ordered without any communication that they were running behind & our next round of food another 25 minutes after that. The restaurant did not seem busy enough to warrant this. The foie gras, sweet breads & maple sugar fries were excellent but the pork shank & duck in a can were quite greasy & heavy. The restaurant itself looked quite tired. The yelling & ringing of the bell when guests bought drinks for the kitchen was obnoxious & really took away from the atmosphere. Celebrating drinking on the job seemed out of place for a restaurant charging $40-50 a plate.
We couldn't leave Montreal before trying this institution. We did not know to expect & tried to cultivate as much hunger as we could due to the warnings of extremely rich food. Let me say that the food is obviously quite rich but it is not unbalanced in any way. We had the oysters to begin with; they were fine but that's it, I think I wouldn't order them again as they were not so flavorful. We also tried the foie gras poutine that was very very good, opulent, not overly salted & addictive. Only thing is that maybe there could've been a few more fries there. To finish we had the aged pork chop that was properly sized & so so easy to eat, super tender, well grilled & it's perfect with its jus at the bottom also to have along the poutine. At the end of the meal we were really satisfied & didn't feel nasty full. I must mention that the wine list is very well made, concise & with great French wines but also a very well represented North American section. It was our final meal in a 4 night food trip to Montreal so maybe that influenced that we did not have a huge appetite. Cannot wait to go back & repeat.
Exceptional, as always! Chef Michael & his culinary team-- Spot on! A great off-menu mixed salad, again the duck tartare, presented in seaweed sheet-cone, & this time the Aged Grilled Pork Chop, & Ice Cream Profiteroles! All were both outstanding! Theo's cocktails & service were outstanding! Thanks everybody!
May have gotten a five. Honestly, we chose plats main unwisely. We should have order the Duck in a Can & the Pork Shank, which the people next to us got & both looked amazing.
If you love meat but are tired of the barbequeue & steakhouse tropes, this is it. Duck in a can is a must, recommend any of the pork dishes. Was hoping the foie gras dumplings would be on the menu but it wasn't. Fantastic cocktails, recommend the moji-pho if you like spice. Our server was great, we asked to be seated outside but got moved inside once it got cold. Limited dessert selection if you don't like maple, but still very good.
